Three position headpiece

ABSTRACT

A three position headpiece including a crown portion removably connected to a visor portion. The headpiece can be worn with the crown portion and visor portion connected by a concealed continuous fastening mechanism or the crown portion and the visor portion can be worn separately. The visor portion includes a hatband that conceals and provides a protective shield for the continuous fastening mechanism of the visor portion and crown portion. The hatband has an uninterrupted outer surface for advertisement or display. The junction between the visor portion and crown portion also forms a channel for the collection and controlled dissemination of fluids such as rainwater from the crown portion.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to headpiece assemblies. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to headpiece assemblieshaving an increased flexibility of wear throughout a range of weatherenvironments and preferences of the user.

2. Background of Related Art

Caps having separately wearable subassemblies have frequently been madethat include a crown removably connected to a bill portion. The billportion has a visor suitable for protecting the upper regions of theforehead from the sun and providing reduced eye strain. The crown andbill portion can be worn together, with the crown covering the top ofthe wearer's head and the visor shading the wearer's eyes, as well asseparately.m The choice depending on the environment and preferences ofthe user. The crown and bill are often connected by a zipper and anadjustable connector employed to make the size of the cap adjustable.Advertising and decorative logos are often applied to the outside ofsuch caps, so that maximizing the attractive space available for suchpurposes, and the presentation of a smooth, uninterrupted externalsurface is important. Different approaches have been taken to make suchcaps.

For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,270 to De La Torre, a three-in-onetransformation hat having a crown and a visor connected by a zipper onthe exterior surface of the visor is disclosed. De La Torre also teachesthat concealing strips, that are not shown in its figures, could be usedon the exterior of the headwear to cover and conceal the connectionbetween the two zipper elements, when crown and visor are together.This, however, requires additional manufacturing steps to cut and addthe external covering strips, without which the zipper connectionbecomes exposed to view and entirely exposed top the elements. Thepositioning of the zipper on the exterior surface of the hat in De LaTorre, leaves two visible strips, additional seams and/or a noticeablegap. These detract from the appearance of the hat, interrupt theadvertising surface, attract attention to the connection that is made,and leave the connection that is made vulnerable to weather conditions.The present invention avoids the additional manufacturing steps ofcutting and attaching two concealing strips and, with fewer seams, it isless vulnerable to damage caused by weather and wear, and is moreesthetic in appearance.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,338 to Clark, a multi use head cover is disclosedhaving a zipper connecting a visor band and a fabric dome. The fabricdome is specifically configured for the crown portion to meet thereligious requirements of a Jewish yarmulke and does not extend downwardover the side of the head of a wearer. One side strip of the zipper ispositioned on the exterior and upper edge of the visor band and theother is positioned on the corresponding edge of the fabric dome oryarmulke. Clark does not discuss concealing the zipper and thus leavesan exposed visible, strip that is detracting and also vulnerable toweather conditions.

The U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,099,524 and 5,901,370 to Linday describe segmentedcap assemblies having a crown component, a visor component, and asweatband component connectable together in varying combinations usinghook and loop strips. The two Linday patents define an internalconnection between a fabric crown and a preferably plastic visor. Theyemploy hook and loop sections on the visor component and the crowncomponent to effect detachable connection. These require great care bythe user in order to reliably achieve the desired aligned appearanceeach time the crown and visor are disassembled and re-joined. Inaddition, the Linday patents are vulnerable to uncontrolled andundesirable penetration of rain running from the crown component intothe gap at the hook and loop connection between the forehead portion andthe crown component.

A continuing need exists for a multiple position headpiece assembly thatis readily and reliably repositioned, has an improved inclement weathercapability, and provides an attractive, visually uninterrupted surface.for advertising and decoration.

SUMMARY

A three position headpiece assembly is provided comprising a visorportion and a crown portion. The visor portion includes a hatband thatis connected with a visor and a sweatband. The visor portion can alsoinclude an adjustable connector for varying the size of the headpiece.The crown portion has a generally domed shape defining a top and a loweredge. A continuous fastening mechanism has a first portion positioned onan inner surface of the hatband and a second portion positioned on thelower edge of the crown portion.

In a first position, the crown portion and visor portion are arrangedtogether with the first portion and the second portion of the continuousfastening mechanism being connected and concealed by the headband. Theouter surface of the hatband is configured to uniquely provide anadditional protective barrier for the junction of the continuousfastening mechanism during inclement weather and provide anuninterrupted surface for advertising. The hatband is also configured toprovide a channel, in combination with a rim of the crown portion, forthe controlled collection and dissemination of fluids such as rainwaterfrom the crown portion.

In a second position, the crown portion is disconnected from the visorportion and the headpiece is arranged for the visor portion to be wornseparately. The first portion of the continuous fastening mechanismremains concealed on the inner surface of the hatband. Alternatively,when the headpiece is arranged for the crown portion to be worn withoutthe visor portion, the headpiece is in a third position.

The invention, together with attendant advantages, will be bestunderstood by reference to the following detailed description of theinvention when used in conjunction with the figures below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the presently disclosed three positionheadpiece are described herein with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one preferred embodiment of thethree position headpiece in a first position constructed in accordancewith the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a partially cut away rear perspective view of the headpiece ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the headpiece of FIG. 1 in a secondposition with the crown portion disconnected from the visor portion; and

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the headpiece of FIG. 1 in a thirdposition with the visor portion disconnected from the crown portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in specific detail to the drawings in which likereferenced numerals identify similar or identical elements throughoutthe several views, and initially to FIGS. 1-2, a novel headpiece 10having a shape of a baseball cap or hat is shown constructed inaccordance with the present disclosure and is intended for use with ahead of a wearer.

Headpiece 10 has a first position wherein a visor portion 20 isremovably connected to a crown portion 40. Headpiece 10 has a frontalarea 12 including a visor 22 and a diametrically opposing rear area 14that can have an adjustable connecting mechanism 60, such as a hook andloop, strap, snap, or buckle type device. In the alternative, headpiece10 can have a range of predetermined hat sizes without connectingmechanism 60.

Visor portion 20 has a visor 22 connected to a hatband 30. Visor 22 ispreferably positioned diametrically opposite adjustable connectingmechanism 60 on headpiece 10, has a generally arcuate cross sectionperpendicular to a first axis defined by visor 22 and connectingmechanism 60, and has a suitable configuration and dimensions for a sunvisor. Visor 22 is preferably made of a semi-rigid material.

Hatband 30 is fabricated of flexible fabric materials and at least hasan arcuate shape with a center defining an intersection of a second axisperpendicular to the first axis such that the second axis alsointersects opposing points of hatband 30. When utilized, connectingmechanism 60 is attached to terminal ends 31 and 33 and defines acompleted circular structure in combination with hatband 30. Hatband 30in one preferred embodiment is fabricated at least partially of the samematerial as crown portion 40. While hatband 30 in this embodiment isshown with seams corresponding to the seams on crown portion 40, hatband30 can be fabricated of any suitable material for the application of ahatband as described herein including a continuous strip of materialwithout seams as well as a material with seams or other means of joiningpieces of one or more materials.

Hatband 30 defines a first or a bottom edge 32 and a second or an upperedge 34. First edge 32 is connected to an upper surface of visor 22.Second edge 34 extends generally perpendicular to the first and secondaxes in the direction of a top 42 of crown portion 40 and is hereafterdescribed as upward or above. The opposing direction perpendicular tothe first and second axes, is referred to hereafter as downward orbelow. Hatband 30 also includes an outer surface 36 and an inner surface38 as well as ends 31 and 33. Hatband 30 preferably has sufficientstructural integrity to remain upright such that upper edge 34 is afreestanding edge unconnected to any other portion of headpiece 10.

Crown portion 40 is joined to visor portion 20 by a continuous fasteningmechanism 35 that can be a zipper or a continuous pressure snap typeapparatus, for example, providing a secure and aligned attachment. Afirst portion 35A of the continuous fastening mechanism 35 is positionedon inner surface 38 a suitable distance below upper edge 34 for theconcealment of first portion 35A. Continuous fastening mechanism 35extends between ends 31 and 33 of hatband 30. A second portion 35B ofcontinuous fastening mechanism 35 is positioned on crown portion 40 andis also concealed when connected to first portion 35A during the normalwear of headpiece 10. The position of first portion 35A on inner surface38 can vary from the suitable distance below edge 34 for concealment toedge 32 or directly to visor 22. A rim 39 is defined by the distancebetween edge 34 or visor 22 and first portion 35A.

Outer surface 36 of hatband 30 provides a valuable protective elementconstructively positioned to assist headpiece 10 in keeping inclementweather conditions, such as a driving rain, from being forced throughcontinuous fastening mechanism 35. Additionally, outer surface 36, crownportion 40, and visor 22 have an uninterrupted surface suitable for thepositioning of logos, advertisements, or trademarks 70, for example,without additional detracting lines, gaps, or overlying layers ofmaterials having undesirably varying colors or textures. Theuninterrupted surface 36, as defined herein, can include seams joiningmaterial segments typical of many baseball style caps, which can stillfixedly accommodate items such as advertisements throughout thedimensional range of hatband 30.

Further, the combination of rim 46 of crown 40, continuous fasteningmechanism 35, and rim 39 of hatband 30, define a continuous channel 50running the length of hatband 30. In one preferred embodiment, headpiece10 when worn in a normal configuration with lower edge 32 of hatband 30approximately level, channel 50 has a peak approximately at the point ofintersection with the first axis and has a descending slope toward rear14 of headpiece 10.

Crown 40 preferably has a generally rounded dome shape with a centrallypositioned peak or top 42 and a circular lower edge 44 interrupted by anarcuate cut out 45. Peak 42 can have a button, logo, or an uninterruptedsurface. Crown 40 is preferably fabricated of segmented portions, butcan also be formed from a continuous single piece of material. Hatband20 is preferably fabricated similarly to crown 40. Arcuate cut out 45 ispositioned diametrically opposite visor 22 and directly above connectingmechanism 60. Corners 43 and 47 of cut out 45 abut edges 31 and 33 ofhatband 30. Cut out 45 provides enhanced flexibility for the range ofadjustable sizes for connecting mechanism 60. In an alternativeembodiment, wherein hatband 30 has a continuous annular structure 61,fitted crown 40 has a mating circular lower edge 44 without cut out 45.

Hatband 30 includes a sweatband 28 having an outer fabric material andan inner sweat absorbing material abutting inner side 38. Sweatband 28is the primary interface with the wearer and runs the length of thearcuate inner surface of hatband 30. Sweatband 28 has a lower edge 27that is attached to hatband 30 lower edge 32 and visor 22.

As shown in FIG. 3, when crown portion 40 is removed, headpiece 10 isarranged in a second position wherein visor portion 20 is wornseparately. Visor portion 20 in the second position retains theadvantages provided by hatband 30 of concealing continuous fasteningmechanism 35 below edge 34 during normal wear and providing anadvertising surface that is uninterrupted by the lines of a continuousconnecting mechanism or varying textures or types of materials forconcealing strips. Edges 31 and 33 are attached to adjustable connectingmechanism 60.

Sweatband 28 has a free upper edge 29 which provides a relative biasagainst the head of the wearer. The relative bias of sweatband 28provides for an improved collection of sweat and assists in comfortablyretaining headpiece 10 on the head of the wearer. Upper edge 29 ispositioned below the upper edge of continuous fastening mechanism 35.

Referring now to FIG. 4, headpiece 10 is in a third position whereincrown portion 40 is worn as a skull cap. Crown portion 40 preferably hasa button positioned on top 42 and continuous fastening mechanism 35Bextends downward from edge 44 and is visually exposed. Edge 44 isinterrupted by cut out 45 when adjustable connecting mechanism 60 isemployed. The dome shape of crown 40 at least partially covers the sideof the head of the wearer thereby providing additional protection fromultraviolet rays when visor portion 20 is not desired or is detrimentalto the wearer's work or recreation activity, for example.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure havebeen described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may beaffected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or spirit of the disclosure. All such changes and modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

1. A headpiece assembly comprising: a visor portion including a visorconnected to a hatband, the hatband having an uninterrupted outersurface and an inner surface, a first portion of a continuous fasteningmechanism being positioned on the inner surface and concealed from viewby the outer surface of the hatband; a crown portion having a generallydomed shape defining a top and a lower edge, a second portion of thecontinuous fastening mechanism being positioned on the lower edge of thecrown portion, the first portion being suitably positioned on the innersurface of the hatband such that when the first portion and the secondportion are connected, the outer surface of the hatband conceals thecontinuous fastening mechanism.
 2. The headpiece assembly of claim 1,wherein the hatband is attached to an adjustable connecting mechanism.3. The headpiece assembly of claim 1, wherein the hatband includes asweatband.
 4. The headpiece assembly of claim 1, wherein the continuousfastening mechanism is a zipper.
 5. The headpiece assembly of claim 2,wherein the adjustable connecting mechanism is a hook and loop device.6. The headpiece assembly of claim 3, wherein the sweatband is connectedto the inner surface of the hatband and provides a retaining bias. 7.The headpiece assembly of claim 1, wherein the union of the firstportion and second portion of the continuous fastening mechanism definea channel between the outside surface of the crown portion and a rim onthe inside surface of the hatband.
 8. A three position headpiececomprising: a first position wherein a headpiece includes a crownportion removably connected with a visor portion, a hatband connected tothe visor portion having an inner side and an outer side, a continuousfastening mechanism positioned for connecting the crown portion to visorportion, a first portion of the continuous fastening mechanismpositioned on the inner side of the hatband and a second portion of thecontinuous fastening mechanism positioned on the crown, the hatbandbeing configured and dimensioned to conceal the continuous fasteningmechanism when the crown portion and visor portion are fastened; asecond position wherein the crown portion is removed from the visorportion and the headpiece is arranged to be worn solely as the visorportion, the first portion of the continuous fastening mechanism beingpositioned and concealed on the inner side of hatband; and a thirdposition wherein the crown portion is removed from the visor portion andthe headpiece is worn solely as a skull cap.
 9. The headpiece of claim8, wherein an adjustable connector is attached to the hatband.
 10. Theheadpiece assembly of claim 8, wherein the hatband includes a sweatband.11. The headpiece assembly of claim 8, wherein the continuous fasteningmechanism is a zipper.
 12. The headpiece assembly of claim 8, whereinthe hatband has an uninterrupted outer surface.
 13. The headpieceassembly of claim 10, wherein the sweatband is connected to the innersurface of the hatband and provides a retaining bias.
 14. The headpieceassembly of claim 8, wherein the union of the first portion and secondportion of the continuous fastening mechanism define a channel betweenthe outside surface of the crown portion and a rim on the inside surfaceof the hatband.
 15. A headpiece assembly comprising: a visor portionincluding a visor connected to a hatband, the hatband having an upperedge, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the hatband being attachedto an adjustable connecting mechanism; a crown portion having agenerally domed shape defining a top and a lower edge; and a continuousfastening mechanism having a first portion positioned at least partiallyon the inner surface of the hatband and a second portion positioned onthe lower edge of the crown portion, the first portion being suitablypositioned below the upper edge of the hatband such that the a channelis formed between the hatband and the crown portion for the collectionand drainage of fluids from the crown portion.
 16. The headpieceassembly of claim 15, wherein the outer surface of the hatband concealsthe first portion of the continuous fastening mechanism when the visorportion is worn separately and conceals the both portions of thecontinuous fastening mechanism when the visor portion and crown portionare fastened together.
 17. The headpiece assembly of claim 15, whereinthe hatband includes a sweatband.
 18. The headpiece assembly of claim15, wherein the attachment mechanism is a hook and loop device.
 19. Theheadpiece assembly of claim 15, wherein the continuous fasteningmechanism is a zipper.
 20. The headpiece assembly of claim 1, whereinthe outer surface of the hatband has an uninterrupted surface.